Canadian Film Weekly (Jan 28, 1948)

Page 4 Canadian FILM WEEKLY Be dio. Studio: Opens over Toronto radio station CJBC. “For Audio Pictures this is, of course, a “day of very consideradle importance,” said Mr. Michener. “It introduces new possibilities of service to their customers and the theatre-going public, and I hope of profit and satisfaction to the proprietors, but ‘it has a wider significance. The motion picture industry in Canada is no infant, even though its pre-war growth was hesitant and uncertain. As in many other industries, the product from across the line, or from Britain, dominated the market. In the last few years, however, we have seen a very gratifying change. ‘Pictures, and good pictures, are be-ing made across Canada in different studios and by several firms, whose total investment in plant and equipment already exceeds five million dollars. "This new plant, designed to make every kind of picture, assures us of the faith which a new Canadian industry has in its own future. If it does not mark full maturity, at least it may be regarded as a coming of age. “Let me remind you of a few benefits which, as Canadians, we can expect from: such developments. To be mercenary first, there is that little matter of U:S. dollars, which is giving everyone so much concern. Then there is hew employment for a wide range of labor and skills. The making of pictures is an art. If we are not apish of others in our new Canadian film industry, we can find in it a new expression of our national feelings and aspiralions, not only at home but for those of other countries to whom we may export. So Canada, fav THEATRE REQUIRE: MENTS CONTRACT SALES OFFICE (Continued from Page 1) ¢ orably known now in so much of the world, may ‘Hecome better known through its films, just as the United States, or at least a film view of it, has been familiarized in every part of the world.” Several thousand guests from many points in Canada and the United States were entertained during the afternoon and evening in the studio with entertainment and. refreshments. Evidence of the importance of the new studio in the minds of the American and British motion picture industries were the numerous telegrams of congratulation received and the visit of several outstanding New York and Hollywood trade figures, among them James Mulvey, president of Samuel Goldwyn Productions, Leo Jaffe, assistant secretary of Columbia Pictures; Al Young, Du-Art Laboratories, New York; Arthur Loucks of Loucks and Norling Studios,. New York, David Hemshaw, Independent producer, Hollywood. A wire from Ross McLean, head of Canada’s National Film Board, mentioned that the first film ‘produced in the new studio was the NFB release, ‘“Champions in the Making,” and expressed the hope that there would be many more. With a sound stage that is 100x60 feet and 22 feet high, the Audio plant, which houses Film Laboratories of Canada, contains facilities for the préduction of a complete motion picture from script to printing. It is a selfsufficient enterprise containing screening rooms and technical facilities for 16 and 35 mm. films, dressing-rooms, commissary, etc. The studio plan was conceived by Arthur Gottlieb, president of the company, and Hans Tiesler, vice-president and _ production chief,':who consider that production >in Canada at»rthe present time requires’ that everything be available under one roof. Opening of Audio’s new headquarters has een described as a milestone in the life of the Canadian motion picture industry, its addition to those now in operation being: the major factor in changing the character of the Dominion industry from exhibition. and distribution to production on a scale worthy of recognition. The company makes industrial, educational and promotional films for Canadian industry and may make, several theatrical shorts a year. “It is not our intention to com-_ pete with Hollywood,” said Ties-\ ler, “but to help fill in the important loopholes that“ will make it possible for Hollywood and’ English producers to plan productions in which Canada will play a major part. We can serve their technical needs and provide facilities for interior shooting when necessary or if desired. “Another way in which we can serve is to help overcome the shortage of shooting space in Britain and Hollywood and those producers who find themselves affected can shape their pictures to fit into the facilities we have to offer. Today there are studios in several parts of Canada and we consider ours to be the finest for its size on this continent. With Canada taking its rightful place in the international production industry, there is room for all now in business in this country.” Audio occupies 20,000 square feet and among its assets are 12 of the latest printing machines, four film processing machines, Many cameras and everything required to support their smooth operation. Both Tiesler and Gottlieb bring a lifetime of experience in the industry to their newest venture. Gottlieb established Film Laboratories of Canada here 16 years ago and has business associations with Du-Art Laboratories, New York. Tigsler, who came to the USA in 1922, is of German origin. He was among those who raised their voices against the Nazi regime from the very beginning and with the late William Hendrick van Loon, a famous author, was responsible for the first feature-length anti-Nazi film, “The Fight for Peace.” When the United States entered the war in 1942, Tiesler offered his services to the War Department and, being an experienced yachtsman, he was enrolled in the USA Coast Guard Reserve. He was first engaged in antisubmarine patrol off the Atlantic Coast and during part of that time he served aboard a yacht owned by Arthur Gottlieb, which had been presented to the American government. In 1943 he was transferred to the US Army Transport Service and went overseas as master of an army transport ship. Promoted to a three-striper in the European theatre of war, Tiesler was appointed port captain of the largest invasion port in Europe— Southampton, England—six days before the invasion of the continent got under way. After serving in that capacity for four months during and after »thetinvasién, Captain Tiesler re,, quested sea duty and was trans ‘ " ferred to the South-West Pacific. He returned in May of 1945 to receive’ his discharge after 35 months of service. eee January 28, 1948 »-> Scenes of Mary Pickford's Canadian Tour 1. Miss Pickford is seen being welcomed to her native city by Mayor Robert Saunders of Toronto, whose daughter is presenting her with roses on the steps of the City Hall. 2. Toronto newspaper reporters and _ photographers with Mary at the site of the new Sick Children’s Hospital, where formerly stood the house in which she was born. 8. A gay moment during ~ the Ottawa visit. Left to right —Viscount Alexander, Canada’s Governor-General; Mary Pickford, Lady Alexander and Prime Minister W. L. M. King. 4. The Prime Minister and Miss Pickford. 5. Signing the guest book in the office of the mayor of Montreal, while Council members look on. 6. Two Toronto policemen boost Mary up for a look at the work on the Sick Children’s Hospital. 7%. Left to right — Ernie Warren, manager of 20th Century’s Elgin Theatre in Ottawa, where the world premiere of “Sleep, My Love” took place to open the Canadian Appeal for Children; Paul Lazarus, Jr., head of public relations for United Artists; Oharles Chaplin, Canadian district manager for United Artists; and Tom Daly, producer of the WNational Film _ Board short, “Hungry Minds,” which was premiered on the same program as the Pickford film. 8. Ross McLean, Canada’s film commissioner, is shown with Mrs. McLean and Chaplin. "Moonrise" Shooting Feldman -Grant’s production, “Moonrise,” which will be released by Republic Studios, has gone before the cameras. Stars are Dane Clark, Gail Russell and Ethel Barrymore. ‘Outpost Hospitals’ ASN-Produced Pic Associated Screen News recently completed a 16 mm. color film, “Outpost Hospitals,” for the Canadian Red Cross Society. Documentary shows the work of Red Cross hospitals and nurses in Canada’s frontier districts. Film will most likely be used to aid in the expansion of Red Cross services, which numbers Some 22 hospitals among its important works.